Forensic Psychology (M.A.)

Explore the intersection of psychology and the legal system.
Kean University’s M.A. in Forensic Psychology is a 36-credit, non-clinical, applied graduate program that prepares students to understand and apply psychological science in legal and criminal justice settings. Students develop advanced knowledge in psychology and law, criminal behavior, psychopathology, psychological assessment, violence risk and threat assessment, research methods, and statistics. The program is designed for students seeking careers in forensic and legal settings as well as those preparing for doctoral study in psychology or related fields.

Students develop advanced knowledge and skills in: 

• applying psychological science to legal and criminal justice questions;
• understanding criminal behavior, psychopathology, aggression, and violence;
• evaluating principles and methods of psychological and neuropsychological assessment;
• understanding violence risk and threat assessment;
• designing, analyzing, and interpreting psychological research; and
• critically evaluating scientific evidence relevant to law, policy, and forensic practice.

Application Deadline 

Fall: Priority Date: May 15 | Final Date: June 30

Note: Applications submitted by the preferred deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and admission decisions will be released as they become available. Because enrollment is limited, we encourage applicants to apply early. If the cohort reaches capacity before the final application deadline, we may not be able to guarantee an admission decision in time for the upcoming term.

Admission Requirements

Request Info

Apply Now

If you have admissions questions, contact Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@kean.edu or (908) 737-4723.   

In addition to the forensic psychology core, students select three graduate electives with advisement. Options in psychology, criminal justice, and communication allow students to pursue interests such as criminal law, corrections, persuasion, negotiation, conflict resolution, human development, and advanced psychological topics.

Forensic Psychology M.A. students have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research examining psychology and the legal system. Students have contributed as coauthors to research presented at professional conferences and have also presented their own work at university and professional research events. Recent student-faculty projects have examined topics including juror decision-making, perceptions of mental illness and malingering, fear of crime and perceived victimization risk, and other issues at the intersection of psychology and law.

Recent Student-Faculty Research

• From curiosity to courtroom: Does true crime interest shape legal decisions? M.A. student coauthor, Eastern Psychological Association Annual Convention, 2026
• Reduced cerebral lateralization, psychopathy and aggression: A behavioral neuroscience approach via handedness; M.A. student presenter, Eastern Psychological Association Annual Convention, 2026
• Disparities in disappearance: Public perception of missing persons cases and the influence of Missing White Woman Syndrome; M.A. student coauthors, American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Conference, 2026
• Attitudes towards defendant’s use of American Sign Language court interpreters; M.A. student coauthor, Eastern Psychological Association Annual Convention, 2025
• Missing White Woman Syndrome: An evaluation of bias surrounding the presentation of missing persons cases in true crime podcasts; M.A. student presenter, American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Scientific Conference, 2025

• Is this a clinical or licensure program?
  The M.A. in Forensic Psychology is a non-clinical degree and does not lead to professional licensure as a psychologist or counselor. The program emphasizes the application of psychological science to legal and criminal justice settings and prepares students for applied careers, research, or further graduate or professional study.
• When and where is the program offered?
  The M.A. in Forensic Psychology is an in-person program offered at Kean’s Union, New Jersey, campus. Courses are held in the evenings, Monday through Thursday, to accommodate students with daytime work and other commitments.
• How long does it take to complete the program?
  Most full-time students complete the 36-credit program in two years. Students may also attend part-time and typically complete the program in three years, allowing greater flexibility in balancing graduate study with work and other commitments.
• Is this program a good fit for me?
  The program may be a good fit for students interested in psychology and law, criminal behavior, psychological assessment, violence risk and threat assessment, or research on legal and forensic issues. It is also designed for students interested in careers within legal, correctional, law enforcement, victim services, or forensic mental health settings, as well as those preparing for doctoral or professional study.